ESPN cuts sponsorship with fake company after discovering it was run by an accused scam artist

“This is a great way to kick-start the DreamHouse brand locally and nationally,” DreamHouse CEO and accused scam artist Eric Martinez said at the press conference announcing the partnership. “We want to be a long-term partner for this game, and we want New Mexico to be the No. 1 hub for the film industry.”

After the announcement, Enchantment Sports did an investigation into the company and found that it did not actually have a business license. The company purported to have a 25,000-square-foot studio in a press release ESPN sent out, but an inquiry found the building did not exist.

Additionally, Martinez has been accused of being a serial scam artist with a history of not paying people for their work.

“All I know is that if you’re involved with Eric Martinez, the guy is going to (screw) someone over. I don’t know how. I don’t know when. But rest assured, the guy’s gonna (screw) someone over. This time, it sounds like it’s the New Mexico Bowl,” filmmaker Mando Hernandez, who worked with Martinez, said.

Catherine Trujillo, who claimed to be Martinez’s ex-girlfriend, also said he “scammed” her out of $60,000.

“When he’s involved, you know there’s something wrong,” she said.

Andy Rivera, who has known Martinez since the 1980s, called him a “bad guy and a complete liar.”

“Eric Martinez is a con man. I can’t believe he fooled the New Mexico Bowl,” he said.

It appears Martinez’s alleged con is over. ESPN announced Thursday it had cut ties with Martinez and DreamHouse.

“We notified DreamHouse today that we have terminated its title sponsorship agreement with the New Mexico Bowl,” an ESPN representative said. “We remain focused on ensuring a quality experience for fans.”

ESPN did not elaborate on why they cut ties.